Last Friday, I went to Venice with my Renaissance art class. It was one of the most magical places I've seen. Though it was raining and flooded, it was still so breathtaking. I want to move there! Bellissima!
St. Mark's Basilica was littered with golden mosaics, ranging from Byzantine to high Renaissance. There was a bronze equestrian group looted from the hippodrome in Constantinople during the crusades. Meraviglioso! Unfortunately, later looters scraped the gilding off of the torsos of the horses. Still amazing though.
We were also lucky enough to see the Pala D'Oro. It's a huge altarpiece, composed of different panels made at different times. It's rarely on view, but I'm eternally greatful that I got to see it! No picture will do it justice though. It is HUGE and covered in gold, cloisonée enamel, rubies, and sapphires.
We had some hot sangria (who thought that'd be good?) and it was delizioso. We walked around the city and looked at masterpieces by Titian, Donatello, and my new favorite Tintoretto. The Scuola Grande di San Rocco was so beautiful. The whole grand hall was covered in dark painting, typical of the Tintoretto style. It was so ominous but at the same time luxurious.
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